A national charity has condemned a scheme to allow youngsters to pickup the morningafter pill from chemists in south Warwickshire.

The Evening Telegraph revealed yesterday how pharmacies in Leamington, Rugby, Kenilworth and War-wick had signed up to the new scheme.

Nuala Scarisbrick, a trustee at Leamington-based LIFE, a pro-life organisation, said the scheme, which has been running in the rest of the county for two years, sent out the wrong message to teenagers.

She said: "The message it sends out is: Don't worry about the consequences.

"If you think you might be pregnant just go to the nearest chemist.

"You don't even have to tell your parents."

For parents to be able to be deceived in this way is very wrong, she added.

"All this is aimed at girls. What message does it send out to boys?" she asked.

Volunteers at LIFE tour schools in the area, promoting healthy, strong relationships and discussing issues which arise for young people.

"We believe this is one way to support young people," she said.

A spokesman for the South Warwickshire Primary Health Care Trust stressed that EHC (emergency hormonal contraceptive) was an emergency measure and should not be seen as an alternative to practising safer sex.

The trust, along with other health organisations, has set up the scheme which provides emergency contraception from chemists free of charge and regardless of age.

Chemists in Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth, Stratford, Rugby, Bidford, Ship-ston and Studley have all signed up.

These include some branches of Boots and Birk and Nagra, in Bath Street, Leamington.

In Rugby, 11 chemists have signed up.

Sarah Bannister, of the PCT, said since the pilot scheme was launched in north Warwickshire, health bosses had issued 40 per cent more EHC than previously.